Re: Handyman business

A handyman business is a great business. Rule#1, Approach it like a business, don't be casual about it. You need more tools and supplies than a specialty contractor does. Learn professional pricing. Not charging the correct amount is the reason I see many handymen come and go. Remember,YOU are the commodity. YOU can do many jobs while you are at the customers house, the electrician can only do one job, just like the plumber and painter and the rest of the specialty trades. When you are not working, learn, subscribe to 3 or 4 Handyman magazines. Get licensed and bonded. I am passionate about my Handyman Business. Giving firm prices is the best way to go to avoid the "Customer/Handyman Anxiety" syndrome when working by the hour. People like to know their costs going in, and believe it or not, you always make more money with a set price. Charge for estimates, you are not like a contractor who is doing thousand dollor jobs and can afford to give free estimates. I charge $25.00 in town and $35.00 out of town. I collect a check for the estimate when I am there and if I do the job, I waive the fee in the form of deducting it from the customers last payment. If I don't do the job, I got paid for my gas and time. Good Luck. FC